The correct spelling of the medical condition "surgical shock" is /ˈsɜːrdʒɪkəl ʃɒk/. The term refers to a state of physiologic and metabolic imbalance that occurs following surgery or trauma. The first part of the word, "surgical", is pronounced with the /ˈsɜːrdʒɪk(ə)l/ sound, while the second part, "shock", is pronounced with the /ʃɒk/ sound. Knowing the correct spelling and pronunciation of medical terms is important for effective communication in the healthcare field.
Surgical shock is a medical condition that occurs as a result of a surgical procedure, characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure and impaired circulation throughout the body. It is a condition of severe physiological and metabolic disturbance that can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
During surgery, the body undergoes significant stress, which can cause the release of substances that disrupt the normal physiological balance. This disturbance can lead to a reduced blood volume, decreased oxygen delivery to tissues, and impaired organ function. As a consequence, the body tries to compensate for these changes by increasing heart rate, constricting blood vessels, and promoting fluid retention. However, these compensatory mechanisms are not always sufficient to maintain adequate tissue perfusion.
The signs and symptoms of surgical shock include low blood pressure, rapid and weak pulse, pale and cold skin, shallow and rapid breathing, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent irreversible damage or even death.
Treatment for surgical shock involves restoring and maintaining adequate tissue perfusion by intravenous administration of fluids and blood products, as well as supportive measures to stabilize the patient's condition. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to help support the cardiovascular system and regulate blood pressure.
Overall, surgical shock is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate medical intervention to restore normal blood circulation and prevent further complications.
Shock induced by a surgical operation or a trauma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "surgical shock" originated from the combination of the words "surgical" and "shock", each with its own etymology.
1. Surgical: The word "surgical" stems from the Latin word "surgicalis", which means "of or belonging to surgery". It is derived from the Latin word "surgere", meaning "to rise" or "to lift". The term evolved to refer specifically to medical procedures that involve manual or operative treatment.
2. Shock: The word "shock" has a different etymology. It comes from the Middle French word "choc", which means a "violent collision" or "blow". This word, in turn, can be traced back to the Old French "choquier" or "chauquier", meaning "to collide" or "to strike against".